Have 87 GTA Vert considering replacing top myself, has anyone done this, Its an ASC car so I bet Camaros are identical to this. What have been the experiences? Am I asking for trouble in a DIY install? I was recently told to be careful of buying from folks that may have tops that are old stock becasue if they sit to long the fabric gets creases etc and they make the top look bad once installed. This info came from an upholestry shop so I guess I need to take it w/a grain of salt becasue they want the business. What do you think?

 

I replaced my top a few years back. I used a vinyl top because I used the car everyday and it sat out all year. I thought it would hold up better than the cloth, and it was half the cost, in case i messed it up. just make sure the wires and springs on the sides are ok. the shop that sold me the top gave me some adhesive for the header and the last bow. the top went on fairly easy in an afternoon.

 

I didn't have the guts or talent so I had an auto top shop do it. $800.00 for a stayfast canvas top with a vinyl rear window. I couldn't be more pleased with the result.

 

I would save up and pay to have it done professionally. Get the stay fast top from tops online with the glass back window you will not be disappointed. Get it done right the first time and you will be much happier. I hope this helps.

 

I was about to have it done professionally...you're for the glass window? That would work for an 88 IROC? I've heard you just have to be extra careful when you put the top down/store it in the tonneau. Any other comments on glass vs vinyl?

 

I was told the same thing about the glass top breaking when letting it down from a company that I got an estimate from. The estimate was for around $850.00.

I am leaning toward doing it myself.

Please continue to give me some opinions on the process though.

 

I'd given some thought to doing it myself, but When I look at tops/prices, they talk about taking a measurement, like width I think. May be fairly straightforward, but I've not talked to anyone who has done it themselves, and a friend who is restoring a 68(not a vert) said straight off he'd have it done professionally. Local place told me $750 over the phone, plastic window. Plus the prioce for weather stripping if you gotta replace that. Seeing total vert kits for over $500 for that. And I'm not sure that includes the doors. I don't think the job would be too awful if you take your time. Saw on Musclecar TV where they replaced a headliner on a Tempest, didn't look too bad, but took the pro 3 hours. I'd just be afraid if I did it myself, it would end up too loose or something. Or I'd send them the wrong measurement, but I gotta think it's a standard measurement, they are just looking for what top frame you have or something.

 

I put one on my 92 firebird this winter. I had never done one before. Wasn't too bad, just take your time. Lots of info here on this board with pics and so forth. I went with the glass window. I have only put it down a couple of times so far. You just have to help the glass lay flat while your lowering it. They say it will get better with up/down cycles.

 

Excuse my dim-wit nature but where do I look on the board to find some pics and the like. Id love to find some info like that becasue it would give me a lot more confidence when moving forward as a DIY project.

 

I went with the vinyl rear window for 2 reasons. First and foremost, the galss size is much smaller and with the tiny side mirrors that's a big deal to me. Second, vinyl is stock to the car.

 

IMO you made a mistake. Visibility out of the back is just fine with the glass window. Plus you don't have to worry about the fading later:



The glass is a totally worthy upgrade:

 

If you haven't, go to the stickys at the top and read "convertible top schematics/install", or something similar. Not too many pics, but step by step instructions. Should give you a good idea what you are in for.

 

I did mine a couple of years back. Bought a stayfast top with vinyl rear window on ebay for $199. Took about 4 hours to install.

I'm going to replace it again later this year with a glass window one as I want to be able to tint the rear window.

Also when I had the car painted in December they got some very light overspray on it. If some one knows of any dye that would restore it back to the black it was before the paint that would be great.

Alex

 

I replaced mine about a year and a half ago. It didn't have a back window when I got bought it. I paid about $350 for the top and replaced the pads also. it wasn't too hard just time consuming. Be careful with removing the weatherstriping! Start from the back and work forward.

 

DO most of you all feel the same about the carpet and seat replacement as well. I will likely go ahead and change that material as well. Who all has made that change. What was it like.

 

man it was easy the only specail tools i needed were some clamps to hold the front , when i get home i'll try to find a link i had with step by step instruction with pics all i needed i spent the extra bread and got the glass window you wont regret that

 

Thanks Ill be looking for that post with some serious anticipation!!!!!!

 

http://sethirdgen.org/convertibletop.htm

heres the link bro hope u have fun i did saved a couple hundred bucks with it

 

Thanks! That's a great writeup!

 

cool

 

Now thats what Im talkin bout